The Indiana State sentinel. [volume] (Indianapolis) 1868-1895, 1887-01-05
JUDGE GRESHAM.
Incidents in His Hsnor's Career-A Friend
to Newspaper Men.
lEn9uirer.1


Many interesting incidents are told of
Gresham's career
On the bench he is an excellent Judge of
human nature and seldom mistakes mis- mau.
In the trial of crimioal cases he invariably
has private talk with the offender. He
questions culprit closely, and quickly de-
tects any extenuating circumstances IN his
case. Upon one occasion former citizen of
high standing was tried and convicted in his
court for perpetrating frauds in the pension
Office. The mans wife and family were pres
ent, and the scene was a sad one. The jury
returned verdict of guilty. Gresham called
the prisoner to the bar, but, instead of pass
ing sentence upon him, said, kindly:
"Go home and spend the night with your
family, and report to me at 10 o'clock to-
morrow. You may not see your home again
for long time"
This extraordinary action caused much
comment and some criticism, but the guilty
man did not break the courts confidence.
He was on hand promptly, and was sentenced
to two years at hard labor in the Michigan
City Prison. Without exception, newspaper
men are stanch friends of Gresham. His
uniform courtesy and frank disposition win
their friendship. His outspoken manner in
politics has naturally created some hostility
toward him in party ranks, and his success
and greatness have in like manner provoked
iealOusies. Gresham, however, can not Justly
be accused of smallness of character nor
Ecu VIII uOluS du act. Ills
contempt for things 1nsincere and for party
politics is pronounced. The average citizen
hereabOuts is quick to resent a personal fling
at Gresham. Even those whose first choice
for President is Harrison denounce the war
fare that has been begun against Gresham.
One day Judge Gresham was listening to
tedious argument in an important suit
which was attracting public attention. A
reporter of an indianapolis paper was await
ing the verdict The hour was late aud the
reporter had many other calls to make. He
grew impatient, and finally, during a halt
in the proceedings, he slipped up and whis-
pered to the court:
''Say, Judge, how are you going to decide
this case?''
The Judge looked surprised, but rewarded
the young mans nerve by replying;
"Well, Charley, am going TO decide it
for the defendant, but you must not say
anything until do It."
On another occasion, just after Gresham's
appointment as POstmaster-General but be-
fore he had left the bench, he was hearing a
railroad case in chambers. A reporter tim
idly opened the door and stepped into cir
Gle of distinguished attorneys such as Sem
ator Mcdonald, the late Ex-Governor Baker
and Abram w. Hendricks. The Judge
greeted the intruder kindly, beczoned him to
advance, and stopped the case long enough
to explain its nature. The reporter was
about Withdrawing when the Judge said:
Don't be in a hurry. Have you a knife2''
The cutlery was produced, the Judge opened
box Of choice cigars passed them around
and then again proceedings begun. He had
habit of doing such things, yet never sur.
rendered the dignity attached to his court.
When Major Calkins was candidate for
Governor two years ago the Democratic press
published private remark made concerning
him by Gresham. It was simply this:
There is nothing In himln Gresham did
not deny it, and he was severely criticised
by Republicans. Two months later, how
ever, when Calkins failed in the Joint debate
with Governor Gray, when he was defeated.
and ever since, the Republican party in this
State has been reiterating Gresham's senti-